A survey of the human communication process. Emphasis is placed on intrapersonal, interpersonal, and public communication. Particular attention is paid to the preparation and presentation of speeches.

Explores the development and influences of mass media (books, newspapers, magazines; film; radio, television, and internet) in contemporary society. Considers the rights and responsibilities of producers and consumers of mass communication.

A survey of the process, forms, and techniques for writing scripts for television and film. This includes advertising and public service announcements (PSAs), documentary, corporate training and promotion, news and sports, interview shows, reality shows, drama, comedy, and short films. This course also includes the laws and ethics of scriptwriting, and preparing for working in the television and film media.

Focuses on the social scientific study of dyadic (two-person) communication. Opportunities are given to integrate theory and practice in an effort to stimulate self-awareness and highlight taken-for granted aspects of interpersonal communicative behavior.

Students critically analyze the aesthetics and themes presented in Sundance Film Festival films while attending the festival in Park City, Utah. Participants pay a course fee on top of block tuition, attend film screenings and forums, and complete course assignments including a final project.

Requirements vary according to the activity developed in consultation with the instructor.

Students work in teams to produce live radio programming and podcasts for Point Radio.

Students work in teams to produce television and film content for Point TV.

Students document community activities through still photography and documentary video for student media.

Analysis of the communicative behavior of group members. Theory, methods, and practical application in developing the art of communicating effectively in a variety of task-oriented groups.

A study of the development of argumentation from classical rhetoricians to contemporary research theories. Practical application of this study through participation in debates and other forensic experiences.

A basic course that provides students with skills in writing and production of audio content for radio (e.g., commercials, promotional announcements, PSAs), and TV and film (multi-track recording, mixing, and sound effects). Course deals with announcing, acoustics, microphones, and remote broadcasts.

Fundamentals of studio and field TV and film production. This includes basic technical and creative aspects of camera, lighting, sound, graphics, producing, directing, and editing. Group projects are viewed and critiqued by peers and the instructor for consideration of being included on the Point TV YouTube channel.

A study of intercultural principles, processes, and topics including; verbal and nonverbal communication, perception, cultural values and expectations, and media impact. Students develop an increased awareness, understanding, and appreciation of other cultures.

This course introduces students to disciplinary expectations for research in communication, including source evaluation and citation, and equips them to review literature, select methods, and propose ethical research in communication from qualitative and quantitative perspectives.

A survey of narrative and documentary motion pictures, from Edison and Lumiere to the present. Course covers the historical, structural, technological, and aesthetic trends of motion pictures through the viewing and analysis of selected classic films that exemplify these trends. Course also includes readings and online discussion about issues of Christian faith and film.

Theory and research on nonverbal aspects of speech communication, emphasizing the importance of time, space, body language, touch and vocalics.

A study of how the self-perception of men and women evolves as a function of cultural influences and the differences and similarities in the way each uses communication patterns.

Analysis of techniques of oral interpretation to develop reading skills, with intensive practice in various literary forms (prose, drama, and poetry).

The exploration and production of audiovisual aesthetics, theories, and technologies in film and media.

Study of the social scientific theory and practice of persuasion. Persuasion is situated within the broader notion of influence. Topics include persuasion tactics, audience analysis and research, and modern advertising practices.

A study of traditional, modern, and post-modern approaches to organizational communication as well as its functions, forms and consequences. Provides a theoretical overview of management theory and gives practical insights for communicating in a variety of organizations.

An examination of contemporary theories and research related to the communication of leadership in organizational settings, including ethical leadership and followership, organizational culture, the nature of power, vision, and creativity in leadership.

Critical examination of forces that shape the history and future of electronic media in the United States. Primary attention is given to the role of regulatory law, economics, and technology.

Advanced exploration of the theory, preparation, and delivery of presentations for professional arenas, such as business, government, media, education, and ministry. Practical application will also include an emphasis on technology and the stewardship of communication practices.

An advanced workshop in the practice and process of acting for the camera aimed at students who have a desire to pursue acting as a career. Instruction includes an overview of current camera acting techniques and thorough discussion of the art of acting. The class primarily consists of acting scene work with all scenes being filmed and critiqued on the big screen. Students will also be required to pursue roles in student and independent films. Several class sessions throughout the course will be devoted to the business of acting for film and television in the Hollywood entertainment industry with an emphasis given to developing the materials and relationships necessary for a successful career.

An introduction to the theory and practice of improving organizations. This includes assessing the way organizations are created, sustained, and modified through communication and identifying potential improvements in organizational structures or member practices. Each student in this class will develop an organizational intervention (i.e., training program, product/artifact design, structural modification) as part of a service learning project.

An introduction to the theory and practice of public relations. This includes public relations roles, publics, research, media relations, special events, and an introduction to cases and campaigns of public relations. This course considers the process of public information dissemination in business, educational, and nonprofit organizational settings.

A critical approach to interpreting media messages is grounded in the study of how messages are constructed, how media industries function, and how communication theory, research, and media ethics explain media impact on society. Emphasis is placed on making informed choices as a media consumer, and considering the impact of media from a Christian perspective.

This course involves the study and application of organizational policy objectives to public relations program development. It includes case studies from PR history as well as methods of audience research, data analysis and planning of strategic communication objectives. Students plan and execute a public relations program for an established organization.

Focuses on the development of skills at in-depth storytelling through radio and television news production. Students learn to research, script, and produce stories, while applying aural and visual news presentation techniques.

Continued application of communication concepts and skills. Requirements vary according to the activity developed in consultation with the instructor.

Participation in an internship supervised by departmental faculty.

Completion of a portfolio and supporting documentation for assessment and preparation for employment.

The exploration and production of forms, strategies, and narrative structures for film and television.

Planning, production and presentation of television and film programming for multiple audiences. Group projects are viewed and critiqued by peers and the instructor for consideration of being included on the Point TV website and YouTube pages.

Students produce portfolio-quality projects using film, television, documentary, podcast, web, and/or other forms of media. Group projects are assessed by peers and the instructor in order to be selected for submission to media contests.

Students are responsible for a minimum of 30-hours per semester of work, including music programming, news, sports, and station management.

Film and television production and operations associated with field production including concepts and practices in scripting, producing, editing, and on-location directing with a single-camera format. Group projects are viewed and critiqued by peers and the instructor for consideration of being included on the Point TV and YouTube websites.

Film and television production and operations associated with studio production including concepts and practices in scripting, producing, and directing for multi-camera studio production. Group projects are viewed and critiqued by peers and the instructor for consideration of being included on the Point TV and YouTube websites.

Development of rhetorical theory and rhetorical criticism, from ancient Greece through the present, as mechanisms for generating and understanding public address.

Survey of contemporary approaches to human communication emphasizing theory development, epistemological perspectives, meaning negotiation, and research methodology. Participants complete an original research project that is publicly presented in a poster session.

A series of lecture/discussions focused on the development and integration of a Christian world-view as it relates to the Hollywood entertainment industry.

A study of the relationship between film and popular culture, with emphasis on Christianity's role in these arenas. The course examines how faith, film, and culture mutually influence one another.

Students participate in an internship experience in some aspect of the Hollywood film or television industry. These are non-paying positions primarily in an office setting such as development companies, agencies, personal management companies, production offices, etc. Orientation to the internship includes an overview of the creative and operational aspects of the Hollywood entertainment business, including the role of the Christian in entertainment.

An introduction to the theory and practice of motion picture filmmaking. Topics include familiarity with filmmaking equipment; basic motion picture techniques; converting idea to image; the use of lighting, editing and sound in film; and the role of acting, directing, and good storytelling in the filmmaking process.

An introduction to contemporary screenwriting, including an understanding of dramatic structure, character and dialogue development, and the writing process. Students complete a full-length screenplay for a feature film or "movie-of-the week." Emphasis is given to the role of Christian faith and values as they relate to script content.

This course may be setup by special request and arrangement. In order to be considered students may submit a portfolio and a project proposal. Students with approved projects will be appointed a mentor who is a professional in the Hollywood industry to supervise the project. Projects could include further development of a portfolio or reel, critical research, or a senior thesis project. The independent study option is not guaranteed and is intended for students with experience in a specific area of cinema or those needing to complete a senior project for graduation.

Senior seminar series focused on value-driven approaches to communication, applying a Christian perspective to real world contexts.

Intensive study of a selected problem by an individual or group in the field of communication and theatre under the direction of a member of the department.

Independent investigation, under the direct supervision of a faculty member, of a specific issue relevant to the study of communication.